Indian Tourist Stabbed During Birthday Party in Pattaya
Pattaya, Thailand – A 34-year-old Thai motorcycle ride-hailing driver has surrendered to police after allegedly stabbing a 42-year-old Indian tourist during a private birthday celebration in Pattaya. The suspect claimed he was startled by fireworks, but witnesses say no fireworks were set off and describe the attack as sudden and unprovoked.
The incident occurred at about 1:36 a.m. on December 28, 2025, at a bar on Pattaya Third Road.
Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, along with Pattaya City Police, responded to reports of a foreign tourist being stabbed. The victim, identified as Mr. Sanjay Maheshbhai Sharma, 42, suffered a single stab wound to the middle of his back, believed to have been inflicted with a folding knife. He was given first aid at the scene before being taken to a local hospital, where he is reported to be in stable condition under close medical care.
Witnesses told police that Mr. Sharma was celebrating his birthday with friends when a Thai man arrived outside the venue on a Honda Wave motorcycle. The man, described as tall and in his 30s to 40s, wearing a long-sleeved white Playboy shirt, jeans, and sneakers, reportedly asked, “What are you selling?” When told it was a private birthday party and nothing was for sale, he allegedly drew a knife without warning and stabbed Mr. Sharma once in the back before calmly returning to his motorcycle and riding away.
CCTV footage clearly captured the attack, including the suspect’s appearance and the motorcycle’s license plate, allowing police to quickly identify him.
At around 3:46 a.m. the same morning, the suspect, identified as Thanwa Pholyiam, 34, turned himself in at Pattaya City Police Station. He admitted to the stabbing but claimed he panicked after hearing fireworks. Investigators noted that this account conflicts with witness statements, which say only balloons popping were heard and no fireworks were used.
Police remain skeptical of the suspect’s explanation and are holding him for further questioning. The investigation will continue once Mr. Sharma is well enough to give a full statement, as officers seek to determine the true motive behind the attack, including whether it was spontaneous or premeditated.
Authorities say formal charges will be filed once all evidence is reviewed and the investigation is complete under Thai law.
